📈 CSE Opens Week with Marginal Gains Amid Volatility

The Colombo stock market began the week in positive territory, though it failed to sustain an early 109-point rally. The banking sector remained the primary driver of activity in a session characterized by retail-led participation and selective trading. • Overall Market Performance The All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed marginally up by 0.04% (+9.38 points) at 23,783.02. The blue-chip S&P SL20 index rose by 0.11% (+7.24 points) to end at 6,728.71. • Turnover and Trading Volume Daily turnover reached Rs. 2.56 Bn, slightly below recent averages, with over 97 million shares exchanged. High-net-worth (HNW) activity remained limited. • Sector & Stock Highlights The banking sector contributed 17% to the total turnover, followed by capital goods and materials, which jointly accounted for 29%. Key positive contributors included Melstacorp (MELS), Richard Pieris (RICH), Prime Lands Residencies (PLR), Commercial Bank (COMB), and Hatton National Bank (HNB). • Foreign Investor Activity Foreigners remained net sellers, recording a net outflow of Rs. 52.8 million for the day.